A new drinking experience awaits you on East Main Street. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
If you haven’t heard of 330 Main yet — a Southside spot that opened in September — that’s because Owner Brett Schwencke wants his business to be as bespoke as his drinks, a place you happen upon or hear from a friend.
Moving with the intention of having a neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome, this spot is also bringing a very different tasting menu to Chattanooga, with the introduction of kava cocktails.
The menu is curated with products you might not see around town, like yaupon, a carbonated tea, on draft + rotating creations.
Photo by NOOGAtoday
To help you sip on this info, let’s break down what these types of beverages are. You might order a cocktail or shot from the menu, but there won’t be any alcohol in them — instead, it will be made with kava extract.
“Kava is a Polynesian beverage, it’s in the pepper plant family, think like black peppercorn,” Schwencke said. “It has a lot of similar effects to alcohol where it’ll reduce your kind of social wall, but also encourage you to connect very deeply with people.”
When customers walk into 330 Main for the first time, Schwencke will give them a crash course into what they would be drinking + ask what type of flavors they are looking for to fully provide a bespoke experience. He added that all of his kava products are tested and certified with a COA.
You can also bring in food and drinks from other spots, from Central Avenue to Broad Street, like food from Bleu Fox and Outpost + even have a drink made with coffee from a different shop if that’s your style.
Photo by NOOGAtoday
This bar offers much more than kava though, with a coffee and tea menu to keep you feeling refreshed. City Editor Haley highly recommends asking about the experimental coffees.
“The goal of this space is to push people’s boundaries in terms of the beverage program, to push their palates a little further,” Schwencke said.
When it comes to expanding, Schwencke is already on the move with plans to open Kava Nooga in May — the area’s first kava company. When it opens, folks will be able to purchase different types of gummies, tinctures, ready-to-drink shots, and more.
Ready to try something new? You can stop by 330 Main Thursday-Monday — pro tip: Follow along on Instagram to see new menu items, like the trending Dubai chocolate treat.
Events
Events
Wednesday, April 2
Chattanooga FC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves | 7 p.m. | Finley Stadium | $10+ | See the Scenic City’s two soccer teams go head-to-head for the first time during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup’s second round.
Thursday, April 3
Road to Nightfall | 7-11 p.m. | The Granfalloon | $10 | Support local music, discover new faves, and help decide who takes the stage at Chattanooga’s original summer concert series.
Friday, April 4
Learn and Play Disc Golf | 5-7 p.m. | Portland Park | Free, RSVP | Pick up a new sport or keep practicing your arm during this instructional course — registration ends today at 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 5
Birthday Bash | Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Vinterest Southside | Free+ | Celebrate this co-op’s 7th anniversary by enjoying sweet treat samples and deals from its 80+ vendors that sell vintage, new, and local goods.
Bobby Stone Film Series | 7:30 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $12+ | You won’t have to skip school to see this screening of the 1986 classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
Sunday, April 6
Compost Like A Pro | 1-4 p.m. | Alter Eco Farms, Hixson | $75 | Learn about different types of compost, get your hands dirty during the demonstration + take home a one-gallon bucket of compost.
The City of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Design Studio are continuing research efforts for the Optimizing Downtown Streets project — aiming to enhance safety, vibrancy + pedestrian accessibility. Residents can now take an online survey to provide their experiences.
Coming Soon
Mountain Outfitters, a family-owned Monteagle outdoor store, is opening a second location in the Scenic City. The 20,000-sqft space will reside in Southside’s Southern Saddlery building + feature a premier fly shop, outdoor apparel and gear, and more once it opens in May.
Closing
Savannah Taylor, a Chattanooga-founded women’s clothing boutique, recently announced on Instagram it will be closing its Tennessee locations to focus on its Florida ventures. The Cambridge Square location is now closed + the Georgia Avenue spot will close on Sunday, April 27. See the store’s journey.
Community
The First Horizon Pavilion is gonna be a rootin'-tootin’ time on Friday, April 4 + Saturday, April 5 during the Chattanooga Stampede Pro Rodeo. You’ll see cowboys and cowgirls competing to land a saddle in the International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma — get tickets online.
Eat
Reader Dara H. thinks everyone should try Glene Gene Grill — a local restaurant that got its start nearly 40 years ago downtown as a sandwich shop + now resides in Hixson. She says the milkshakes are the best and that the chicken tenders rival Raising Cane’s. We know what we’re eating for lunch soon.
Biz
Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area will expand its operations in Cleveland after purchasing the former Fresh N’ Low grocery store. Folks can already bring items to the Donation Xpress center at the Broomfield Road SE site + the store will open later this year. (Chattanoogan.com)
Award
Looking to be a teacher’s pet? Local restaurant Jefferson’s will give out its inaugural “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” award to celebrate National Teachers’ Day on Tuesday, May 6. Nominations are open now through Friday, April 11 — just select your respective Chattanooga area location.
History
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Chickamauga Turn will return for the first time since 2023 starting Saturday, April 19 through Sunday, Oct. 26. This six-hour ride will take passengers along the former Central of Georgia Railroad to see the Civil War town + other historic stops — book your train car.
Picture your next event being promoted to our thousands of subscribers in this text ad. Our self-service ad portal can get your ad live in just two days.
Category
Answered
Let’s grit to it
Have a taste of some of the South’s most beloved menu items. | Photo by @champyschicken
We’re back with the second installment of Foodie Favs + this time we’re tackling some of the best Southern food you can find in Chattanooga — everyone thank reader Mark M. for the suggestion.
Champy’s, locations vary
Something readers Lori L., Cydney B., Shelby G. + Cheryl P. have in common? Their love for the fried chicken at this spot. Margie S. personally recommends trying the chicken livers.
Public House Chattanooga, Southside
“The fried chicken livers with grits at Public House. Yes, chicken livers are an acquired taste, but few restaurants have them on the menu and the ones at Public House are perfect!” — Harriet C.
“Public House pot roast, gravy, and mashed potatoes.” — @olivethepartypom
Southern Star, Downtown
“Banana pudding at Southern Star.” — Priscilla J.
“Southern Star! Either chicken and rice casserole or meatloaf Thursdays — both on the hot bar.” — @kellyhelton_
While it’s always sad to see a boutique go, the Scenic City remains to have so many local businesses you can support. I’ve got my eyes on Amber Rae Studio, a shop that recently opened on River Street.
}})
